Conceal and Carry - Information and Training Classes

Welcome to Conceal and Carry Headquarters – The leading online resource for information about handgun conceal and carry laws throughout the US with specific state laws and training requirements, a list of resources for where to get the highest quality conceal and carry permit training, articles on proper safety procedures, and interviews with instructors and law enforcement to help you get the information you need to make informed personal decisions about whether conceal and carry is right for you.

Are concealed carry permits available in the state of New York?

New York is a May Issue state that will grant concealed carry permits to both residents and nonresidents.

In order to determine if a CCW license is granted in New York, it is at the total discretion of a licensing officer. In the case that a concealed carry license is denied, a licensing officer is required by law to specifically state the reason for denial. It is also possible for a denial of license to be overturned in court if it is proven to be arbitrary in nature.

The state of New York will not honor any other concealed carry permits or licenses from other states. A New York State pistol license will only remain valid in the counties outside the five main counties of New York City. Unless a license has been explicitly validated by New York City, it is against the law to take a concealed handgun into this city, including licenses issued for self-protection.

The state of New York has a large number of complicated regulations and laws that govern applying for a concealed carry permit, making it a lengthy, extensive process.

Where can I get a New York Concealed Carry Permit?

A New York concealed carry permit is issued through the Licensing Officer in the county or city where the applicant resides or is employed. This may also include the location of an applicant’s main place of business as a storekeeper or merchant.

There are 59 different licensing jurisdictions in New York. Out of these 59 jurisdictions, 55 will issue concealed carry licenses through the court, where a judge will serve as the licensing officer. All background investigations will be conducted through a local law enforcement agency prior to issuing a license in court.

The remaining four jurisdictions have licensing officers that are sheriffs or police commissioners. All New York upstate counties, excluding Westchester, offer lifetime licenses, also called Good-Until-Revoked concealed carry licenses.

A license application must be granted or denied within six months after it was submitted. If there is a delay for any reason, a written notice must be provided to the applicant stating the reason.

CCW licenses from Suffolk, Westchester, and Nassau expire in five years from the date of issue; New York City CCW licenses have a two year expiration date. In all other counties once a concealed carry license has been issued, it will be valid until it is revoked.

How do I apply for a license?

Since conceal and carry laws vary drastically throughout the state of New York, it is important to contact the Licensing Officer in your city or county for more information on applying for a license.

In New York City, applicants must appear in person and submit an application that has been signed and notarized to the License Division of the NYPD in order to apply. A handgun license application can be obtained through the NYPD License Division or downloaded at the link listed below:

How much does the license cost?

The price for a conceal and carry license is set by the supervising board in each county, although a $10 limit is mandated by state law. License fees in Nassau and New York City County are set by the Board of Supervisors and City Council without regard to the limitations set by state law.

The total application fee in New York City is $340 with a fingerprint fee of $94.25. The fingerprinting fee for a license is set through the Division of Criminal Justice Services. The charge for amending a license is $3 for all counties – except Suffolk County, where the fee is $5.

Am I eligible for a Concealed Carry Permit in the state of New York?

In Westchester County, it is required for an applicant to complete a firearm safety training course successfully with a corresponding test, in addition to meeting all the necessary requirements. Other counties may also require the same training course in order to grant a license.

A concealed carry permit in New York may be granted if you meet the following requirements:

You are of good moral character.

You are 21 years of age or older.

You have not been convicted of a serious offense.

You have not been treated for mental illness.

You are not subject to a protective court order.

There is no just cause to deny the license.

Please note that the age restriction does not apply to an individual who has been honorably discharged from the military.

Where can I carry a concealed weapon after receiving a license?

An individual is permitted to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle with the proper license. However, it is illegal to carry a loaded shotgun or rifle in a vehicle. It is also against the law to carry, transport, or possess a handgun in or through the state of New York without a valid New York license.

It is prohibited to carry a concealed weapon in New York in the following locations:

Courthouses under the rule of the NYS Office of Court Administration.

Government buildings – in certain cities and counties.

A building or grounds used for educational purposes, except forestry lands owned and maintained by the State University of New York College of environmental science and forestry.

New York continues to operate as a Castle Doctrine state, although it does not have a stand-your-ground law. The self-defense law in New York is based on the Castle Doctrine, though it is a weaker law than those found in many other states.

New York requires a duty to retreat in any location outside of an individual’s personal property. In the home, the Castle Doctrine law will authorize the use of deadly force, as long as the resident of the home does not initiate the attack. Outside of the home, an individual must do everything in their power to retreat from an attacker safely before using deadly force.

In the state of New York, Open Carry of a weapon is prohibited in all public places.